A Hull soap star who issued a desperate plea after losing a purse filled with sentimental family items has had it returned to her thanks to the power of social media.

Gemma Oaten, who is known for playing Rachel Breckle in Emmerdale, appealed on Twitter for help to find her purse which had either been lost or stolen.

The actress lost the item in Head of Steam, in the city centre, and pleaded for help on social media so she could be reunited with the purse, which contained priceless pictures and sentimental heirlooms from her grandparents.

"My life's in there, grandads angel, grandmas feather. There's no Money. I just want it back.

"It's a burgundy purse. Pictures of me, fam etc. Last place I had it was @HOS_Hull If anyone hears of anything or finds it please return."

More than 1,100 people responded by retweeting the post. Amazingly, her social media appeal worked as less than 24 hours later, she was reunited with her purse and, more importantly, her precious family treasures.